Quote Originally Posted by Phil View Post
I can't think of any particularly good reason why you would want to be "adopted" by a clan other than the obvious one of making your wallet a little lighter each year paying the subscriptions. Of course there may be ones such as Buchanan which operate as benevolent societies to a degree but you would have to be a born and bred member for that.
Phil only speaks for himself. While some clan societies do fit the stereotype that Phil describes here, it isn't fair to tag all of them with the same generalisation. You only get out of a society, be it a clan or other, what you put into it.

Some clan societies here in the colonies offer genealogical records and databases compiled by volunteers. Others offer social gatherings at local games and festivals. Still others work with local charities and civic organisations, regardless of whether one was "born and bred".

And Phil, you would always be welcome to come to one of "my" clan societies' meetings or events -- perhaps you wouldn't be so hasty in your judgements after you got to know some of us.

Todd